A new study has found that listening to music after the age of 70 may help protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers from Monash University studied the habits of more than 10,800 older adults and found something very encouraging. Those who regularly listened to music were 39 percent less likely to develop dementia compared to those who rarely or never did.
The study was led by student Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne Ryan. They looked at how music habits—both listening to music and playing instruments—affected brain health in people over 70. They discovered that simply listening to music often was linked to much better brain outcomes.
People who always listened to music had the strongest results. These individuals not only had a 39 percent lower chance of developing dementia, but they also had a 17 percent lower chance of experiencing general memory problems.
Their memory for daily events was also better. In addition, those who both listened to music and played instruments had a 33 percent lower risk of dementia and a 22 percent lower risk of memory decline.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers used data from two large health studies focused on older people: the ASPREE study and its sub-study ALSOP. These studies collected information over time to understand aging and health. The results of this music-focused research were published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
One of the most important findings was how accessible and simple the activity of listening to music is. Music is free or cheap, easy to enjoy, and doesn’t require any special training or tools.
As people get older and face challenges with memory and thinking, doing simple things that support brain health becomes very important. This research suggests music could be one of those things.
Ms. Jaffa explained that while the study shows a strong connection between music and brain health, it cannot prove that music directly causes the reduced risk. Still, the results are exciting. They suggest that music might help keep the brain sharp and healthy in older age.
This research is especially important now because people around the world are living longer than ever before. With longer lives comes an increase in age-related conditions like dementia. This puts pressure on families and health systems. Right now, there is no cure for dementia, so preventing or delaying its onset is critical.
Professor Ryan said that brain aging isn’t only caused by age or inherited genes. Our environment and daily habits also play a big role. She pointed out that our lifestyles—how we live each day—can affect our brain health. Choosing activities like listening to music may be one way to help protect the brain.
So if you or someone you love is over 70, turning on the radio or enjoying favorite songs could do more than lift your mood. It might also help keep your memory strong and your mind healthier for longer.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
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